It is located in northeast Spain in the interior of the region of Catalonia. The province has some extremely valuable Catalan Romanesque churches in the Vall de Boi, awarded the World Heritage designation by the UNESCO.

Its natural surroundings are perfect for adventure sports. Areas of particular interest include the Aigüestortes y Estany de Sant Maurici National Park, its two nature reserves, and its Pyrenean and pre-Pyrenean landscapes. These last two areas are very popular with fans of snow sports.

The province offers multiple opportunities for birdwatching and rural tourism. The local gastronomic specialities feature a number of products bearing the Designation of Origin label, such as olive oil, cheese and pears.